The inaugural Pub Scrawl event is taking place this Friday, and it looks like being one not to miss:
For one night only in January Pete McKee brings you art in pubs… a pub crawl like no other. Pub scrawl 2012 will showcase ten of Pete’s favourite artists with ten of Sheffield’s finest watering holes.
Pete has hand picked the artists who will be using some of Sheffield’s best pubs as a canvas to exhibit their art, so you can be sure the quality will be high.
The event is supporting the Arts for Health Programme at The Children’s Hospital. You can win one of nine exclusive prizes donated to their charity by Pub Scrawl artists including Pete McKee – look out for leaflets in the featured pubs.
And Thornbridge Brewery has brewed a special ale for the event called Scrawl so the beer should be good, too. With ten pubs to visit it might have to be just a half in each though…
I love a local tradition, and the Sheffield carols is one of our best. It’s still going strong since it started in the late eighteenth century, when singers and musicians would gather in north west Sheffield pubs during November and December to sing Christmas carols.
The carols aren’t just the obvious ones that you hear everywhere at this time of year. Many of them mix church and secular material and are composed by local musicians, with variations of words, melody and tempo depending on which pub you are in. What’s brilliant is that some are still referred to by their local names, such as Bradfield, Stannington and Malin Bridge.
Although the basic etiquette for these ‘sings’ in pubs may seem a little daunting, tracking down when and where they are happening is easy thanks to the listings on www.localcarols.org.uk.
The first pub we tried was The Sportsman in Crosspool, on a weeknight in the run up to Christmas. Here we found the Loxley Silver North Band playing a mixture of local carols and a few of the obvious ones – someone even requested Jingle Bells.
The band sounded great, although with just a small gathering of people singing in one area of the pub, it didn’t quite feel like the full local carols experience. So it was time to try one of the village pubs further north.
The Royal Hotel in Dungworth is famous for its local carols. We headed over on boxing day and weren’t disappointed. The pub was rammed, with people gathered round an organ, singing their hearts out. This was exactly how we hoped it might be.
We were made to feel welcome, despite not really knowing the carols. We soon discover that many of the words and tunes are quite familiar. This is the end of Sweet Chiming Bells, one of the many variations of While Shepherds Watched (excuse the shaky filming on my phone):
The enthusiasm of people singing is infectious. Looking around, it seems like generations of families are in the pub, with nearly everyone drinking the tasty Bradfield Brewery beer, which is brewed just up the road.
Singing like this in a pub may seem a bit strange to some people, but when you think that this local carol, called ‘Stannington’, has been sung for hundreds of years in Sheffield public houses, it is hard not to be drawn in:
In fact, spending time with people who are part of a tradition like this is quite special. It’s heartwarming to be part of something that has been taking place for so long but hasn’t really changed.
I bought a Loxley selection songbook from The Sportsman (just £1) and now I know that many of the carols are quite easy to pick up, I would feel much more confident about joining in. What’s more, it seems silly not to make more of such a cherished tradition that takes place right on our doorstep, so I’ll definitely be back next year.
The Royal Hotel, Dungworth
Inside the pub
Singers
Organist
Carol singing
The Sheffield book of Village carols
There’s more about the history of carols in this BBC documentary by Howard Goodall. The Blue Ball pub in Worrall is featured from 52 minutes, 18 seconds:
Sensoria, the UK's festival of music, film and digital
The festival of film and music
Sheffield’s spring festival of film, music and digital returns for 2011, bringing together events, gigs, screenings and exhibitions across a packed ten-day programme.
The opening day on Friday is now of course a public holiday, so if you want to avoid a certain other event taking place that day then why not visit the Devonshire street party and market? And later on, a free festival of live music kicks off at the Washy, with sets from the Violet may and Pete David and the Payroll union over the course of the weekend.
On Saturday, a secret location plays host to a (Re)mixed in Sheffield warehouse party. It features plenty of great artists like Toddla T, Heaven 17, I monster, Lords of flatbush and Asbo a-go-go.
The Bibliotheque discotheque event (Tuesday 3 May) sees a disco of sorts located in the Central library. I recently heard a good documentary which gave an insight into the world of library music. It is amazing just how many of the TV themes that were originally library tracks we’ve sub-consciously absorbed into our national psyche. The library disco should give a glimpse into this world.
You may have seen a big screen in Tudor square for the snooker and Sensoria will also continuing this with its very own Screen on the square. Each day has a specified programme of films, including Sheffield on film from 6pm on Wednesday 4 May.
Excellent Sheffield-based photographer Shaun Bloodworth has his first solo exhibition as part of the festival. Underground, running 28 April-16 May at Bank street arts, documents the electronic music scene since 2005.
If you’re a musician or filmmaker then Sensoria pro (5-6 May) has now been expanded to two days. And at 6pm on Thursday 5 the Electric works hosts the launch of 2 weeks 2 make it, a music video competition.
Speaking of competitions, throughout the festival you can also see an exhibition of entries to the Thornbridge/Sensoria beer mat competition in the Winter garden. The winning mats (below) feature lyrics from Sheffield bands Pulp, ABC, the Human league and Artery, as well as some local photos. You may have already seen in pubs stocking Thornbridge beer.
These are just a few of the events taking place. Visit the Sensoria website for the full listings.
Look out for the Sensoria beer mats in Sheffield pubs
Sunday night saw the annual lantern festival take over the streets of Sharrow. I don’t live in the neighbourhood but the reputation of the festival has been growing for a few years now so I decided it was time to check it out.
In the weeks leading up to it, workshops took place to help people craft a lantern to carry in the procession. On the day of the festival, crowds would then gather at dusk in Mount pleasant park before setting off and parading through Sharrow to Cemetery park.
This year’s procession was again led by the Sheffield samba band, who were brilliant. Everyone else followed: many people proudly carried ‘elements’-themed lanterns in all shapes and sizes, while some were dressed up and others had their faces adorned with face paints. It didn’t matter if you hadn’t prepared anything though, as everyone was welcome to tag along regardless.
As the carnival wove its way through the streets, residents gathered in doorways and faces pressed up against windows to catch a glimpse of the festivities and see what the noise was all about.
On joining London road, we turned left towards town and headed for Cemetery park for live music, fire spinners and the spectacular lantern release. And for those wanting to continue the festivities, bands and DJs carried on at the Cremorne pub until late.
It looks like 2011 will be the final year that organisers Creative action network will be managing the event. There is no suggestion that it won’t be going ahead next April though and they are inviting people to get involved with the organisation. Do get in touch with them if you fancy it.
I’d definitely recommend getting involved in next year’s event, whether you are eight or 80. I didn’t really know what to expect, and when the rain came down on Sunday afternoon – following a hefty mother’s day meal – it was quite tempting not to bother venturing out. But I’m really glad I did, as I got to not just see but actually participate in another heart-warming example of grassroots Sheffield culture and community spirit.
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Singers in Mount pleasant park – Sharrow lantern festival
Samba band in Mount pleasant park – Sharrow lantern festival
Samba band in Mount pleasant park – Sharrow lantern festival
Mount pleasant park – Sharrow lantern festival
Fish – Sharrow lantern festival
Lanterns – Sharrow lantern festival
Samba band on London road – Sharrow lantern festival
The boss of Stagecoach hinted in a recent Sheffield Telegraph article that night buses could return to Sheffield – but it looks like another company has beaten then to it.
Yesterday TM Travel annouced that from this Friday 19 November, a network of night buses will launch:
N1 – Sheffield to Chapeltown via Hillsborough and Parson Cross
N2 – Sheffield to Newfield Green via Ecclesall and Woodseats
N3 – Sheffield to Handsworth via Crystal Peaks
The buses will depart Leopold street at 1am, 2am and 3am, and have a flat fare of £2.50.
With many First and Stagecoach routes currently finishing by 11pm and plenty of town venues open later, a service like this could prove popular and boost the city’s night time economy. It should also help ease the queues and scramble for cabs in the early hours of the morning when demand outstrips supply.
Hopefully the buses will also steer clear of trouble. And if they are a success, the two bigger operators in Sheffield may also be tempted to follow suit.
A spoof research paper on the workings of the average pub quiz team
If you enjoy a pub quiz then look out for what looks like a good new zine called the Venns.
Some previews of pages are below. You’ll see that they are packed with important diagrams, charts and graphs. These illustrate several concepts, including the complex model that any quiz writer worth his salt uses to write questions and why pub quizzes are better than trying to pull.
The zine will also include other articles including reviews of Sheffield pub quizzes.
Authors Quint and Jow will be offering one free copy per team at the pub quizzes they regularly attend around Sheffield, the first being tonight’s (Thursday 26 August) quiz at the Rutland arms pub on Brown street. Spare copies will also be available in exchange for a pint or the price of a pint.
It looks a good read. More information will no doubt follow at the Facebook page and blog.
Sheffield’s urban music festival returns for a second year
So once again the hordes descended on the city centre for the second year of the Tramlines festival. This time it was much bigger than 2009, with an estimated 125,000 people creating an amazing atmosphere around town.
Following feedback from last year, there were some changes for 2010. The problematic ticketing system for the main stage was scrapped in favour of a one-in, one-out policy. This meant that there was queuing down Devonshire street, particularly on the Saturday, but on the whole I think it worked much better and led to the main arena being much fuller for more of the day.
Devonshire street queues
The capacity for Devonshire green was increased to around 8,000, with a bigger area fenced off. This meant that the spontaneous barbecues and gatherings that took place along the Rare’n'racy stretch of Devonshire street didn’t occur, which was a shame. Most of the businesses along there were inside the enclosure. I understand that the intention was for there to be public access to it via the side gates, but this didn’t seem to happen.
It was good that you were allowed to drink anywhere inside the main stage area, Food wise, I think there is room for more outlets offering a bigger variety of cuisine than we saw this year.
If you wanted to see a particular band then you needed to get there early, allowing time to queue to get in the different venues. Some people seemed annoyed at this but as it is a free festival, I don’t think that much can be done about it. I found that when one band finished playing there was the opportunity to move inside and get a good spot for the next one.
It was possible to avoid the queues if you chose your venues carefully. Drifting between the new music stage in Barker’s pool and also the world stage in the Peace gardens was easy. And I had no problem walking straight in to the Leadmill, Frog and parrot and Soyo at various times over the weekend.
If you didn’t go on the Busker line bus, then you missed out. As well as a practical means of getting around, it became a venue in itself. I overheard one old couple sat behind me on there discussing whether they should go round again. It sounds like they had been on it a while.
Buskerline bus
The organisers have said they’d like to make Tramlines even bigger if it returns in 2011. It will be interesting to see how they go about this. I can’t see how the main stage can increase its capacity, although they could also open it on the Friday night.
I also get the feeling that there is a limit on the size of the headliner that Tramlines can accommodate on Devonshire green. Echo and the bunnymen was a perfect fit: an established band that appeals to different generations and has at least a few songs that most people will recognise. If the main band was were really big then although that in some ways would be brilliant, it would also bring with it a whole new level of logistical and security issues.
Echo and the bunnymen
There isn’t another obvious city centre location for a bigger stage than Devonshire green. They could look to using the Don valley bowl, but part of the appeal of the festival is its compactness and the atmosphere that is generated in town because of this.
Also, at the moment I don’t think Tramlines is just about getting big names to play. Although having very well known bands playing where you know the songs is great, the festival is as much for me about soaking up the atmosphere around town, checking out some new music and supporting local artists and businesses at the same time.
The organisers have acknowledged that some elements of this year’s festival could have been run better and are still looking for feedback (they have over 500 points on the list already). You can get in touch via Facebook.
And if you want to increase the chances of Tramlines happening again next year, they have also set up a voluntary donation scheme.
All in all it was another great weekend, I think the most exciting of the year to be hanging out in the city centre.
Here are this month’s additions to the list of Sheffield people and organisations of interest on Twitter. The full directory can be found on the Sheffield Twitter users page.
Bit of an unusual post this, but on 25 February New young pony club are headlining and curating a gig at Bungalows and bears and to mark the occasion I’ve been offered two tshirts to give away.
It is part of a promotional thing where bands take control of the Topman CTRL website and place their music influences on there.
This month is New young pony club’s turn and as well as picking the support line-up for the special Sheffield show (the Invisible, the Laurel collective, Run hide survive and Children for breakfast), they have also designed a tshirt.
I’ve got two to give away, so to be in with a chance to win one, answer the following question using the form below (not the comments box at the bottom of the page):
Before it became Bungalows and bears, what was the Division street pub known as?
I’ll pick two winners at random on Friday 26 February.
You might recognise New young pony club’s most well-known song Ice cream, which was also used in car an advert last year.
A free event is taking place this month at the City hall which will see a panel discuss what makes a city a great cultural destination and why is culture important:
As Sheffield bids to become the first UK city of culture 2013, we bring together a diverse panel of national and international cultural figures to discuss the role of culture in defining a city – both in Sheffield and on an international scale.
The line-up currently includes Jon McClure from Reverend and the makers, Emmy award-winning Jamaican writer and poet Kwame Dawes, the BBC’s Paulette Edwards, Museums Sheffield chair Sandra Newton and Mark Jones, founder of Wall of sound record label. There will be a Q&A afterwards, as well as an acoustic set from the Reverend.
I’m guessing that the outcomes of this debate may go on to inform the detail of our city of culture bid, should we make the shortlist. Last week, a Sheffield Telegraph article gave an indication of some of the creative and cultural assets on which our bid would be based:
the foundations laid by Sheffield theatres, the Museums and galleries trust and Sheffield international venues
the city’s festivals – including a possible new festival centre in a landmark location
our creative population (7.2% of the workforce), including the digital economy and independent film
mass participation events based on ideas from the people of the city
established and emerging music artists performing gigs in unusual locations
a possible resident orchestra for of Sheffield
a base for visual arts
If shortlisted, does Sheffield have a good chance of becoming the UK’s first city of culture? I’d say we have more chance than Barnsley but I wonder whether some of the culture that Sheffield does best is perhaps not mainstream enough to appeal to the panel that will decide.
For example, I know many people who enjoy the Kid acne artwork around town and the word-of-mouth gig and club nights, but is this the sort of thing they will be looking for? Or will the lottery-funded cultural facilities remain the cornerstone of our bid? The likes of the Millennium galleries undoubtedly make Sheffield a better city but I can’t help thinking the heart and soul of the city’s cultural scene is to be found elsewhere.
Hopefully the ‘ideas from the people of the city’ project would help ensure that our bid does indeed capture the full breadth of Sheffield’s cultural offering, both traditional and non-traditional.
The 14 bids on the table are due to be whittled down to a shortlist of five by Culture secretary Ben Bradshaw in the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, free tickets for the Culture debate event are available from the City hall box office.
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